I'm still dealing with the Staghorn until I get my additional canister on-line. This algae doesn't look the same as Staghorn. It's not fuzzy at all. It's like painted on the leaves. I could not rub it off with my fingers.Attachment 63153

AlyeskaGirl

01-10-2013 03:32 AM

That is Black Beard Algae.

etgregoire

01-10-2013 03:30 PM

:(

I have had problems with that, and when it is in those dark spot form it is impossible to get off. In each case, the leaf eventually died even when I spot treated with Excel or H2O2. I would try to cut of the very damaged leaves and then spot treat the ones that aren't as over taken yet.

Do you have it growing on anything else in the tank? If you see it starting in places, treat it early and treat it often with Excel spot dosing.

AUvet14

01-10-2013 03:41 PM

My CO2 ran out while I was gone over Christmas break (college student) and now I have BBA growing all over my driftwood and equipment. I am using and Excel overdose (2x normal dose) to try to kill it, but as with any algae, the underlying problem must be corrected. I believe BBA appears when CO2 levels are low or inconsistent, so that is likely the underlying issue that must be corrected. You can also attempt to reduce your light intensity, which would then result in decreased metabolic rate of the plants and therefore decreased demand for CO2. In my experience so far, H2O2 spot treating helps kill it, but you have to be diligent about it. I have yet to see H2O2 actually kill the BBA, but I have to admit that I haven't been as persistent about spot treating. Also, spot treating is really only practical if you have localized areas with BBA. You can safely use about 3mL 3% H2O2/gallon aquarium water, but don't just add it to the water. You must turn off the filter to stop water circulation, then spot treat with a syringe or pipette. If you just add the H2O2 to the water, it won't have any effect on the algae. Leave filter off for 10-15 minutes after treating, then you can turn it on again. As for treating the whole tank, I can't say for sure, but I've read a few places that overdosing Excel seems to work as long as you correct the underlying issue. Hope this helps some.

etgregoire

01-10-2013 03:44 PM

Since you're talking about whole tank h2o2 treatments... I haven't tried this, but I was just reading about it yesterday

It actually details a very different whole tank approach. I guess just throwing it in there for your consideration.

I wasn't referring to treating the whole tank with H2O2. I was just saying that you can use 3mL/gallon while SPOT TREATING and you shouldn't see any negative effects on your fish. Any more than that and I can't guarantee that the fish won't become stressed and/or die. I stated that attempting to treat the whole tank with H2O2 simply will not have any effect on the BBA.

AUvet14

01-10-2013 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by etgregoire
(Post 2200994)

Since you're talking about whole tank h2o2 treatments... I haven't tried this, but I was just reading about it yesterday

It actually details a very different whole tank approach. I guess just throwing it in there for your consideration.

Interesting thread though, might be worth a try.

Bennyboy

01-11-2013 04:19 AM

It doesnt look like black beard algea to me. The light green spot def look like green spot algea. Are you using co2/ Ferts?

For h2o2 treatment ive done it for bba. Works very well. I havent done full tank treatment. I mixed about 10% peroxide 90% tap. I just took affected plants out and let sit for 20 mins in solution. A couple of my more sensitve plants leaves melted due to dip. But grew back very quick.